PennDOT DL-720 Form | PA School Bus Driver Skills Test – School bus drivers in Pennsylvania play a critical role in student safety. To maintain the School Bus (S) endorsement on a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), drivers must complete recertification every four years. A key part of this process is the skills evaluation documented on PennDOT Form DL-720, the official Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Recertification Skills Test form.
This comprehensive guide explains everything U.S. drivers need to know about Form DL-720, including requirements, what the test covers, how to complete and submit the form, and official resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
What Is PennDOT Form DL-720?
Form DL-720 is the official document used by certified school bus instructors or PennDOT examiners to record the results of a school bus driver’s recertification skills evaluation. It documents performance in three main areas: safety equipment inspection, basic skills (student discharge and railroad crossing), and on-road driving skills.
The form is required under 67 Pa. Code § 71.4, which mandates that every holder of an S endorsement undergo a skills evaluation every four years. Instructors complete the form to certify that the driver has demonstrated proficiency.
You can download the official Form DL-720 (PDF) directly from PennDOT here: Download Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Recertification Skills Test Form DL-720.
Who Needs to Complete the DL-720 Skills Test?
Every Pennsylvania school bus driver with an S endorsement must recertify every four years. Recertification requirements include:
- Completing a minimum of 10 hours of refresher training (at least 7 hours classroom and 3 hours in-bus training) provided by a certified instructor.
- Passing the School Bus Knowledge Test.
- Passing the skills evaluation documented on Form DL-720.
According to official PennDOT guidance, the 10-hour refresher course may be completed any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the recertification date on the School Bus Endorsement card. PennDOT typically mails a notice one year before the endorsement expires. Drivers can also request a recertification letter online through the PennDOT online driver’s license system.
Important: Recertification must be performed in a school bus representative of the class listed on the driver’s license.
What Does the Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Recertification Skills Test Cover?
Per 67 Pa. Code § 71.4, the recertification skills evaluation consists of three parts. The entire examination must be administered. If a driver fails one portion, they may return on another day to retake only the failed section.
1. Safety Inspection (Pre-Trip Check)
Drivers earn one point for each correctly inspected item. A passing score is 12 or more correct items. Failure to correctly perform the air brake check results in automatic failure of this portion.
Items checked include:
- 8-way lighting system
- Headlights (low and high beams)
- Turn signals, stop lights, tail lights, hazard warning system, and ID/side marker lights
- Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, axe or pry bar, and portable emergency warning devices
- Seats (condition and mounting), emergency exits, and tires
- Service brake (air/hydraulic) and emergency brake
2. Basic Skills Test
This portion includes two exercises. Three or more errors in either exercise results in failure. Certain critical steps (listed in bold on the form) cause automatic failure if not performed correctly.
Actual or Simulated Student Discharge:
- Activate amber lights 150–300 feet in advance
- Traffic checks and complete stop with parking brake applied and transmission in neutral
- Open door to activate red lights and stop arm
- Check all mirrors for students
- Properly secure the bus and proceed safely
Actual or Simulated Railroad Crossing:
- Activate 4-way hazard lights while approaching
- Stop between 15–50 feet from the nearest rail
- Apply parking brake, place transmission in neutral, open door/window, look and listen
- Proceed across tracks without shifting gears and deactivate hazard lights after crossing
3. On-Road Driving Test
Drivers are scored on errors during the road test. Eleven or more errors result in failure. Automatic failure occurs for any traffic offense, running over a curb or sidewalk, or causing an accident.
Maneuvers evaluated include:
- Stopping and starting (minimum of two each)
- Left and right turns (minimum of two each)
- Merging into traffic
- Driving through intersections
- General driving behavior, lane positioning, following distance, and signaling
How to Complete and Submit Form DL-720?
Form DL-720 is completed by a Department-certified school bus instructor or authorized examiner. Key sections include:
- Driver information (name, driver number, email, telephone)
- Instructor details and Intermediate Unit (I.U.) or school district/contractor information
- Recertification date and class of bus
- Checklists and pass/fail results for each skills section
- Signatures of the driver and instructor (with dates)
- Additional certification signature from the Instructor Coordinator, IU Executive Director, or Superintendent
PennDOT offers an electronic submission option. Drivers or instructors can complete and sign the form digitally via DocuSign. After completion, the form is emailed directly to PennDOT for processing. For questions about the form or the digital process, contact the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300.
Paper versions may still be used and mailed to:
Bureau of Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 68684
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8684
Official electronic submission instructions are available on the PennDOT DL-720 electronic submission guide.
Documents Needed for the Recertification Skills Test
When appearing for the skills evaluation, drivers should bring:
- Valid Commercial Driver’s License
- School bus recertification notice or letter
- Valid Physical Examination Certificate (DL-742)
A valid School Bus Driver’s Physical Examination (Form DL-704) must also be maintained every 13 months as required by Title 67, Chapter 71.
What Happens After Passing the DL-720 Skills Test?
Upon successful completion of the required training, knowledge test, and skills evaluation, PennDOT issues a new School Bus Endorsement card approximately 45 days before the current endorsement expires. The completed DL-720 and supporting documentation are submitted by the instructor or testing entity.
If a driver fails the skills examination three times, the current School Bus Endorsement card must be surrendered. The driver would then need to reapply and complete the full process again if requirements are not met within the allowed timeframe.
Official Resources and Additional Information
For the most current information, always refer to official PennDOT sources:
- Become a School Bus Driver – PennDOT
- School Bus Instructors Resources and Forms
- Request a School Bus Recertification Letter
- 67 Pa. Code § 71.4 – Driver’s Examination (full regulation text)
- PennDOT School Bus Driver Training Guide and related manuals available through the instructor resources page
Contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 for questions about forms, testing, or processing. Language assistance and TTY services (dial 711) are available. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET (excluding holidays).
Why Proper Recertification Matters?
School buses remain one of the safest forms of ground transportation when operated by well-trained, properly certified drivers. Completing the DL-720 skills test and full recertification process helps ensure that Pennsylvania school bus drivers continue to meet high safety standards for transporting students.
Drivers and employers should plan ahead, schedule training early, and keep all required medical and licensing documents current to avoid any interruption in endorsement validity.